Noise feedback for training wheels

ABSTRACT

A system for sound generation and noise feedback is disclosed for attachment to a bicycle training wheel. The system includes a plurality of sound generators attachable by a means for fastening to a rotatable surface of the training wheel. As the sound generators rotate with the wheel, sound is generated in proportion to the speed of wheel rotation. The sound generation system further includes a sound generator attachable to the support frame of a bicycle wheel. A clapper is pivotably attachable proximal to the sound generator, for intermittent contact with the sound generator when the clapper is engaged by one or more projections connected to, and rotated by the wheel. The generation and feedback system further includes a light generator and an electrical circuit connected to the sound generator for intermittent generation of sound and light in proportion to the rotation of the training wheel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus for sound feedbackfor bicycle wheels. More specifically, this invention relates to asystem for sound generation and noise feedback for training wheelsattached to a bicycle.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Prior devices have provided sound generation devices attached tothe front and/or rear wheels of a bicycle or tricycle. The prior soundgeneration devices have included pliable flaps or flexible strips ofmaterial that are connected by clamps and suspended from the supportframe of a bicycle wheel for intermittent contact with the spokes of thebicycle wheel as the wheel rotates. These prior devices require periodicreplacement of the flaps or strips of material due to breakage and wearfrom contact with the spokes, and typically provide the same repetitionof noise from the spokes of the rotating wheel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with the present invention there is provided asystem for sound generation and noise feedback for wheels attached to abicycle. The present invention includes one sound generator, or aplurality of sound generators, attachable to an interior or outersurface of a bicycle training wheel. Each sound generator includes ameans for fastening to the bicycle training wheel, to allow each soundgenerator to rotate with the wheel for generation of sound in proportionto the speed of rotation of the bicycle training wheel.

[0008] The present invention further includes a sound generatorapparatus attachable to a training wheel connected by a support frame toa bicycle wheel. The apparatus includes a sound generator attachable tothe support frame and positioned proximal to an interior surface of thetraining wheel. A clapper is pivotably extended from the support frameto intermittently contact the sound generator. The clapper includes apivotable first end extended from the support frame, and includes amid-portion disposed to be intermittently engaged by a projectionextended from the interior surface of the training wheel. Each rotationof the training wheel provides for intermittent engagement of theprojection against the mid-portion of the pivotable clapper, whichcontacts the sound generator for sound generation and noise feedback inproportion to the rotation of the training wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention is illustrated in the drawings in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of one embodiment of a systemfor mounting thereon the sound generation and noise feedback system ofthe present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2a is a side view of the sound generation and noise feedbacksystem of FIG. 1, illustrating a bicycle training wheel having aplurality of sound generators thereon;

[0012]FIG. 2b is a front side view of one sound generator of FIG. 2a;

[0013]FIG. 2c is a back side view of the sound generator of FIG. 2b;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of the systemfor sound generation and noise feedback, illustrating a pair of soundgenerators and clappers positioned respectively on separate trainingwheel supports;

[0015]FIG. 4a is a rear view of an additional alternative embodiment ofthe system for sound generation and noise feedback, illustrating a firstsound generator and a pair of clappers positioned to contact the firstsound generator upon rotation of the first training wheel;

[0016]FIG. 4b is a side view, in section along 4 b-4 b of FIG. 4a,illustrating an interior surface of the first training wheel having thepair of clappers positioned to contact the first sound generator;

[0017]FIG. 5a is a rear view of a further alternative embodiment of thesystem for sound generation and noise feedback, illustrating a sound andlight generator and an electrical switch for activating the sound andlight generator; and

[0018]FIG. 5b is a side view, in section along 5 b-5 b of FIG. 5a,illustrating an interior surface of the first training wheel having ameans for engagement of the electrical switch for activating the soundand light generator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In accordance with the present invention and referring initiallyto FIG. 1, one embodiment of a sound generation system 10 for a bicyclewheel 12 includes a pair of training wheels 14, 16 attached to each sideof the bicycle wheel 12 by respective support frames 24, 26 (see FIG.3). The training wheels are shaped in a general configuration known tothose skilled in the art, with each support frame 24, 26 connectablebetween each respective hub 18, 20 and each respective side of the frame22 supporting the bicycle wheel 12. Each hub 18, 20 forms an axle of,and rotates with, the respective training wheel 14, 16 and bicycle wheel12.

[0020] One embodiment for the sound generation system 10 includes onecylindrical bell 34 that is releasably attachable to one of the trainingwheels 14, 16 (see FIGS. 2a and 2 b). An alternative embodiment includesa plurality of cylindrical bells 34 that are releasably attachable toone or both of the training wheels 14, 16. One connecting means forattaching each cylindrical bell 34 includes a hook and loop typefastener material (see FIGS. 2a and 2 c). The hook portion 38 of thefastener material is attached to a portion of the exterior side surface28 or the interior side surface 30 of the respective training wheel 14,16. The loop portion 40 of the fastener is attached to a first portion36 of the surface of each respective cylindrical bell 34. Alternatively,the positioning of the hook portion and the loop portion of the fastenermaterial is interchangeable to allow attachment of the loop portion uponone of the side surfaces 28, 30 of each respective training wheel 14,16, and to allow attachment of the hook portion to a first portion 36 ofthe surface of each respective cylindrical bell 34. Those skilled in theart will recognize that the hook and loop type fastener is replaceablewith a loop and strap configuration, or similar connectors for securingeach cylindrical bell to each respective training wheel 14, 16. Uponfastening of the plurality of cylindrical bells 34 on one or bothtraining wheels, the cylindrical bells 34 generate a sound in proportionto the size, shape, and materials of construction of each bell (see FIG.2b). The cylindrical bells 34 rotate with the rotation of the trainingwheels 14, 16, therefore providing noise feedback to the rider for theentertainment of the rider and/or spectators.

[0021] An alternative configuration of the sound generation system 10includes a first sound generator 44 that is attachable to a firstsupport frame 24 (see FIG. 3). The sound generator 44 is oriented toextend outwards from the first support frame 24 for positioning proximalto the training wheel 14. The sound generator 44 includes a bell or asimilar device that emits a sound when intermittently contacted. A firstclapper end 48 is positioned proximal to the sound generator 44. Theclapper end 48 is supported by a first end 52 that is connected by apivoting connection to the first support frame 24. The pivotingconnection for the first end 52 includes a coiled spring 52′ forreturning the pivoting first end 52 from an engaging position having theclapper end 48 strike the sound generator 44, to a neutral, non-engagingposition having the clapper end 48 moved away from the sound generator44. The spring tension of the coiled spring 52′ of the first end 52provides adequate recoil tension to pivot the first end 52 and clapperend 48 back to the non-engaging position away from the sound generator44. An alternative spring-loaded device for returning the clapper end 48to a non-engaging position is utilizable by those skilled in the art.Between the clapper end 48 and the first end 52 is a mid-portion 54segment that extends toward the interior surface 30 of the trainingwheel 14.

[0022] At least one projection 56 is connected proximate to the interiorsurface 30 of the training wheel 14, for repetitive engagement of themid-portion 54 segment by the projection 56 during rotation of the hub18 and training wheel 14. Upon engagement by the projection 56 againstthe mid-portion 54 segment, the first end 52 rotates and the clapper end48 contacts the bell of the sound generator 44. An additional embodimentprovides a second projection 56′ positioned on a portion of the interiorsurface 30 that is approximately 180° along the interior surface 30 andon an opposed side of the hub 18 from the first projection 56 (see FIG.3). The projections 56, 56′ extend inwards toward the bicycle frame 22from the interior surface 30 of the training wheel 14 (see FIG. 3). Analternative embodiment for the projections provides one or twoprojections extended radially outwards 60, 60′ from the perimeter of thehub 18 (see FIG. 3). As each projection 56, 56′ is rotated with therotation of hub 18 and interior surface 30 of the training wheel 14, theprojection 56 engages the mid-portion 54 segment of the clapper end 48,forcing the pivoting and contacting of the clapper end 48 against thebell of the sound generator 44. A ringing sound from the first soundgenerator 44 is generated in proportion to the speed of revolution ofthe hub 18, training wheel 14, and the bicycle wheel 12, thereforeproviding noise feedback to the rider for the entertainment of the riderand/or spectators.

[0023] An alternative embodiment for the sound generation system 10includes at least two sound generators 44, 46 that are separatelyconnectable to respective support frames 24, 26 (see FIG. 3). Eachsupport frame 24, 26 is attachable to the bicycle frame 22 for supportof the training wheels 14, 16 on opposed sides of the rear bicycle wheel12. A second sound generator 46 is positioned to extend from a secondsupport frame 26 in proximity to the hub 20 of a second training wheel16. At least one projection 58 extends inwards from the interior surface30 of the second training wheel 16, for a sufficient distance tointermittently engage the mid-portion 54 segment as the second trainingwheel 16 rotates. As the projection 58 is rotated with the rotation ofthe interior surface 30 of the second training wheel 16, the projection58 engages the mid-portion 54 segment to force clapper end 50 tointermittently contact the second sound generator 46.

[0024] An additional alternative embodiment for the sound generationsystem 10 includes at least one sound generator 44 that is connectableto the support frame 24 (see FIG. 4a). The sound generator 44 includesat least one bell that is extended from the respective support frame 24and is positioned proximate the interior surface 30 of the firsttraining wheel 14. A second sound generator 46 may be connectable to asecond support frame 26 as shown generally in FIG. 3. For repetitive andintermittent contact with the first sound generator 44, a rotatableclapper 62 is connectable at a rotating first end 66 at a perimeterposition on the interior surface 30 of the training wheel 14 (see FIGS.4a and 4 b). A second clapper end 68 of the rotatable clapper 62 isallowed to swing in a substantially vertical plane parallel with therotation of the first training wheel 14 due to centrifugal forcegenerated as the training wheel 14 rotates. Sounds are generated fromthe first sound generator 44 upon intermittent engagement by therotatable clapper 62 in proportion to the speed of rotation of trainingwheel 14 and bicycle wheel 12.

[0025] A second rotatable clapper 64 is connectable at a first pivot end66 to a perimeter position on the interior surface 30 of the firsttraining wheel 14 (see FIGS. 4a and 4 b). A second end 68 of the secondrotatable clapper 64 is allowed to swing in a substantially verticalplane parallel with the rotation of the first training wheel 14 due tocentrifugal force generated as the first training wheel 14 rotates. Therotatable clappers 62, 64 may be positioned at opposed perimeterpositions along the perimeter of the interior surface 30 on the firsttraining wheel 14, therefore generating sound and providing noisefeedback from the first sound generator 44 at a more frequent rate thanone rotatable clapper 62. Sound from the second sound generator 46 isgenerated by similar positioning of one clapper 62, or two clappers 62,64 on the interior surface 30 of second training wheel 16.

[0026] A further alternative embodiment for the sound generation system10 includes a light generator, a sound generator, an electrical switchand associated circuitry, and a power supply combined with a modifiedsound generator configuration for intermittent generation of sound andlight from a training wheel 14 (see FIGS. 5a and 5 b). A sound generator70 is attachable to the first support frame 24 and is oriented to extendoutwards from the first support frame 24 for positioning proximal to theinterior surface 30 of the training wheel 14. The sound generator 70includes a horn or a similar device that issues sounds when electricallyactivated. A light generator 76 is attached to the first support frame24 and is positioned proximal to the sound generator 70. In thealternative, the light generator 76 may be attached on a front or rearportion of the bicycle frame 22, instead of being attached to the firstsupport frame 24. The light generator 76 and sound generator 70 are inelectrical connection with each other, and are in electrical connectionwith an electrical switch 72 that includes associated circuitry forcontrolling the triggering of lights by the light generator 76 and thetriggering of sound by the sound generator 70.

[0027] The electrical switch 72 includes at least one elongated contactcircuit having a first distal end 74 and a second distal end 74′ beingdisposed in parallel relationship (see FIGS. 5a and 5 b). The electricalswitch 72 and elongated contact circuit are attachable at a first end tothe first support frame 24, and the distal ends 74, 74′ extend proximalto the interior surface 30 of the training wheel 14. One embodiment ofthe elongated contact circuit includes the distal ends 74, 74′ beingseparated by a predetermined distance of approximately a fraction of aninch. The distal ends 74, 74′ are composed of a partially rigid metalsuch as spring steel, or a similar rigid material that conductselectrical current when an electrical conductive pathway is established.One or both of the partially rigid distal ends 74, 74′ are periodicallybent by an intermittent and repetitive force provided by the engagementof at least one projection 78 rotated past the distal ends, thereforeforcing together distal ends 74, 74′ for intermittent contact with eachother.

[0028] A power supply 80 is attachable to the support frame 14 toprovide a source of electricity for the sound generator 70, the lightgenerator 76, the electrical switch 72, and associated circuitry. Thepower supply 80 may include replaceable batteries, and/or an electricitygenerator attached to the bicycle frame 22 in proximity to the bicyclerear wheel 12. When the partially rigid distal ends 74, 74′ are forcedtogether, a complete electrical circuit is maintained for a brief periodof time to allow the electrical switch 72 and associated circuitry toactivate the sound generator 70 and the light generator 76.

[0029] At least one projection 78 is connectable on, and extended from,the interior surface 30 of the training wheel 14. The projection 78extends inwards toward the bicycle wheel 12 from the interior surface 30of the training wheel 14, or alternatively may extend radially outwardsfrom the hub 18 for a sufficient distance to periodically engage thedistal end 74, 74′ of the elongated contact 74. As the projection 78 isrotated with the rotation of hub 18 and interior surface 30, theprojection 78 engages one or both of the distal ends 74, 74′ to forcethem together intermittently, therefore allowing an electrical circuitconnection to be established for activation of the sound generator 70and the light generator 76. An alternative configuration provides atleast two projections 78, 78′ that are positioned proximal to the hub 18and/or the perimeter of the interior surface 30 of one training wheel14. One projection 78 may be spaced apart along the perimeter of theinterior surface 30 approximately 180° from the second projection 78′.As each projection 78, 78′ is rotated with the rotation of hub 18 andinterior surface 30 of the training wheel 14, the projectionsintermittently engage distal ends 74, 74′ to force them togetherperiodically, therefore allowing an electrical circuit connection to beestablished for activation of sound generator 70 and the light generator76. Intermittent sounds and flashing lights are generated in proportionto the speed of rotation of the training wheel 14 and bicycle wheel 12,therefore providing noise feedback for entertainment of the rider andspectators.

[0030] As the distal ends 74, 74′ are periodically forced together byengagement by each projection 78, 78′, the electrical switch 72 andassociated circuitry may be programmed to maintain activation of eitherthe light generator 76, or the sound generator 70, or to alternateactivation of both, as the bicycle wheel 12 and training wheels 14, 16are rotated. An additional embodiment includes circuitry that isconnected to a radio or similar music playing device carried on thebicycle frame 22. The electrical switch 72 and associated circuitry maybe programmed to generate music when the training wheel 14 is not beingrotated, or to generate music when the training wheel 14 is beingrotated, with intermittent light activation from the light generator 76,and/or intermittent sound activation from the sound generator 70 whenthe distal ends 74, 74′ are periodically forced together by engagementby each projection 78, 78′.

[0031] An additional alternative embodiment for the sound generationsystem 10 includes attachment of at least two sound generators 44, 46 tosupport frames for each rear wheel of a tricycle. A further alternativeembodiment for the sound generation system 10 includes attachment of atleast two sound generators 44, 46 to the support frame of a front wheelof a bicycle or tricycle. Each sound generator is engaged by either thepivotable first end 52 and clapper end 48 configuration discussed above,or by the free-swinging rotatable clapper 62 configuration discussedabove.

[0032] While a preferred embodiment for the foregoing is shown anddescribed, it is understood that the description is not intended tolimit the disclosures, but rather is intended to cover all apparatusmodifications and alternate methods of operation falling within thespirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described the aforementioned invention, I claim:
 1. A soundgeneration apparatus attachable to a wheel having a hub connectable to abicycle frame, comprising a sound generator having a first surfaceattachable to the wheel, whereby said sound generator rotates when thehub of the wheel is rotated and thereby generates sound in proportion tothe speed of rotation of the hub and the wheel.
 2. The sound generationapparatus of claim 1, wherein said sound generator including a pluralityof bells, each bell of said plurality of bells having a first surfaceand a means for fastening each bell proximate to the wheel.
 3. The soundgeneration apparatus of claim 2, wherein said means for fasteningincluding a hook and loop type fastener interdisposed between said firstsurface of each bell and a position proximate the hub of the wheel, eachbell of said plurality of bells being releasably attachable with saidhook and loop type fastener to the wheel, each of said plurality ofbells rotated when the hub of the wheel is rotated.
 4. The soundgeneration apparatus of claim 3, wherein the bicycle frame including atleast two training wheels attachable proximate the wheel, at least oneof said training wheels having said plurality of bells releasablyattachable thereon.
 5. A sound generation apparatus for a bicycle wheelincluding a training wheel attachable by a support frame to at least oneside of the bicycle wheel, the training wheel having an interior surfaceand a hub rotatable with the bicycle wheel, said sound generationapparatus comprising: a sound generator attachable to the support frame,said sound generator positioned proximal to the interior surface of thetraining wheel; and a clapper pivotably interdisposed between said soundgenerator and said interior surface of the training wheel, whereby saidclapper intermittently contacts said sound generator upon rotation ofthe training wheel.
 6. The sound generation apparatus of claim 5,wherein said sound generation apparatus further comprising: a projectionconnected to the interior surface of the training wheel, said projectionrotatable with the training wheel; and said clapper extended from saidsupport frame, said clapper pivotably positioned to intermittentlycontact said sound generator; whereby said projection is positioned tointermittently engage said clapper when the training wheel is rotatedand said clapper pivotably contacts said sound generator, with soundgenerated intermittently in proportion to the rotation of the trainingwheel.
 7. The sound generation apparatus of claim 5, wherein said soundgenerator including a bell attached to the support frame, said bellpositioned between said support frame and said interior surface of saidtraining wheel.
 8. The sound generation apparatus of claim 6, whereinsaid clapper including a first end pivotably attached to said supportframe, and a mid-portion positioned to extend proximal to the interiorsurface, whereby when said mid-portion is intermittently engaged by saidprojection, said clapper pivots to intermittently contact said bell asthe training wheel rotates.
 9. The sound generation apparatus of claim5, wherein said sound generator including: a bell having a supportconnector for attachment to the support frame, said bell beingpositioned by said support connector at an extended position proximalthe interior surface of the training wheel; and a first and a secondclapper pivotably attachable to the interior surface of the trainingwheel, said first and said second clapper are positioned in spaced apartconfiguration respectively at a first position on said interior surfaceand at a second position on said interior surface, whereby said firstand said second clapper are extended by centrifugal force tointermittently contact said bell as the training wheel is rotated. 10.The sound generation apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a pair oftraining wheels positioned on opposed sides of the bicycle wheel, eachrespective training wheel attached to a respective support frameadjacent the bicycle wheel, wherein said sound generator including: atleast two bells, each bell having a support connector for attachment ofeach bell to opposed sides of the bicycle frame, each bell positioned atan extended position proximal the interior surface of each respectivetraining wheel; and a first and a second clapper pivotably attachableproximate to each respective interior surface of each training wheel,said first and said second clapper are positioned in spaced apartconfiguration respectively at a first position on said interior surfaceand at a second position on said interior surface of each respectivetraining wheel, whereby each of said first and said second clapper areextended by centrifugal force to intermittently contact each respectivebell as the training wheel is rotated.
 11. A feedback generation systemfor a bicycle wheel including a training wheel attachable by a supportframe to the bicycle wheel, the training wheel having an interiorsurface rotatable with the bicycle wheel, said feedback generationsystem comprising: a sound generator attachable to the support frame,said sound generator positioned proximate to an interior surface of thetraining wheel; an electrical switch having an electrical circuit inelectrical connection with said sound generator, said electrical switchincluding a first distal end and a second distal end disposed in aparallel relationship, said first and said second distal end extendedtoward the interior surface of the training wheel; a power supplypositioned in electrical connection with said electrical switch and saidsound generator; and at least one projection positioned on the interiorsurface of the training wheel, said at least one projection extendedfrom the interior surface at a preselected distance for intermittentengagement of said first and said second distal ends of said electricalswitch as said at least one projection is rotated with the rotation ofthe training wheel; whereby said first and said second distal ends areforced together upon intermittent engagement with said at least oneprojection, thereby said electrical switch is intermittently activatedand said sound generator is intermittently activated in proportion tothe rotation of the training wheel.
 12. The feedback generation systemof claim 11, wherein said system further comprising: a light generatorattachable proximal to said support frame; said light generatorpositioned proximal to said sound generator; said electrical switchhaving said electrical circuit in electrical connection with said lightgenerator and said sound generator; and said power supply in electricalconnection with said light generator, said electrical switch, and saidsound generator; whereby said first and said second distal ends areforced together upon intermittent engagement with said at least oneprojection, thereby said electrical switch is intermittently activatedand said light generator and sound generator are intermittentlyactivated in proportion to the rotation of the training wheel.
 13. Thefeedback generation system of claim 12, wherein said first and saidsecond distal ends are composed of spring metal, said first and saidsecond distal ends being forced together from said parallel relationshipwhen said at least one projection intermittently engages said first andsaid second distal ends in proportion to the rotation of the trainingwheel, whereby said electrical switch, said sound generator, and saidlight generator are intermittently activated in proportion to therotation of the training wheel.
 14. The feedback generation system ofclaim 13, said electrical switch is deactivated when said first and saidsecond distal ends return to said parallel relationship after said atleast one projection is rotated past said first and said second distalends, whereby said sound generator and said light generator areintermittently deactivated in proportion to the rotation of the trainingwheel.